Baseball's Feel-Good Story of 2026 Hits an Abrupt Snag

Los Angeles Angels first baseman Trey Mancini had done just about everything he could to keep his comeback going.

In 2020, he beat Stage III colon cancer. Twice, he came out of retirement to sign minor league contracts - with the Arizona Diamondbacks in February 2025 and the Angels in January. He wore down Triple-A pitching for a .377 on-base percentage, was promoted to the majors for the first time in three years, and hit .308 in five games with the Angels.

More news: Workhorse Pitcher, 7-Year MLB Veteran, Dies

It wasn’t enough.

On June 17, the Angels designated Mancini for assignment to make room on their active roster for Vaughn Grissom. The Angels have seven days to trade Mancini or place him on outright or unconditional release waivers.

If Mancini is claimed off waivers by another club, he is immediately added to their 40-man roster.

More news: Rob Manfred Offers Unsettling Four-Word Answer to Work Stoppage Question

The Angels got the most out of Mancini’s five-game cameo, his first games in the majors since July 31, 2023. He went 3 for 4 with an RBI and a run against the Houston Astros in his debut. It was one of the feel-good stories of the season, particularly for an Angels team that is on pace to lose 96 games.

It’s the latest example of baseball-as-a-cruel-business, but the Angels will benefit from the defensive versatility of Grissom. The 25-year-old infielder slashed .246/.325/.410 in 40 games before he strained his left oblique on June 8. He saw time at first, second and third base - a more useful defensive toolkit than the 34-year-old Mancini, who was limited to DH and first base with the Angels.

More news: Yankees Break Historic American League Record in Victory

For Mancini, the journey back might have been worth it on its own merits.

When the Angels purchased his contract from Triple-A Salt Lake earlier this month, “it felt like I was debuting all over again” he said. “Basically everything I felt that day in 2016 is what I felt a week ago when I, I guess when I re-debuted.”

For more MLB news, visit Newsweek Sports.

2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.

This story was originally published June 17, 2026 at 1:47 PM.